Romans 8

"To those who did accept Him He gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God… From His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:12-13,16-17)

Children of God

The ones who are in Christ are free
In the spirit of life and love;
For the Son paid the penalty
Of sin that we might rise above.

The spirit leads to life and peace:
Submitting to God's law apart
From flesh, effects of sin decrease
As God's Spirit dwells in the heart.

In the Spirit, Christ dwells in you
And in His life, your spirit lives;
Your flesh, in turn, will see life too
Through the same life His Spirit gives.

In the Spirit, God's children cry,
"Abba, Father! Your will be done."
As heirs with Christ, who'll glorify
Their sufferings -- with Him, they're one.

All distress pales next to glory
To be revealed in the kingdom;
For all creation yearns to see
And share in God's children's freedom.

In hope of glory, we are saved;
With endurance our hearts hold out
Against the flesh, which had enslaved
Us - now our hope shields us from doubt.

The Spirit's sighs come to our aid
To intercede as God would will;
As imperfectly as we've prayed,
He lifts our prayers with perfect skill.

All works for good in His purpose
For those who love Him as they can;
What holds us back? - God is for us
Though His Son, salvation's the plan!

He grants us all besides His Son;
If God acquits, who can condemn?
By His Son's death, salvation's won -
Nothing holds us from the I AM!

In all we face, victory's sure
Through Him who loves us to the end.
Within His love, we're held secure;
In Christ, our true Brother and Friend.

Nothing can take us from His love!
In all, with Him, we rise above.


As His children, may we not hesitate to cry out 'Abba, Father!' to Him who has called us to be restored into the image of His Son by the power of His Spirit in the hope of His glory.

(c) Paul Buis, 2005